During His last evening in mortality, the Savior wanted to assure His disciples that they would not be alone, even when He was no longer with them. He repeatedly testified of the Holy Ghost, who would comfort them, teach them, and remind them of the principles He had taught:
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth.
John 14:16-17
When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13; see also John 15:26
In May 1831, the Lord reiterated this promise to a group of church members in Kirtland, Ohio. There are false spirits in the world, He told them, and there are many hypocrites and deceivers. But we can discern between truth and falsehood with the help of the Holy Ghost:
Why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:21-22
The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob lamented the human tendency to be distracted by speculation, because of our natural fascination with things we can’t understand. But he emphasized that keeping things simple helps us to remain grounded:
He that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.
Jacob 4:13
President Henry B. Eyring echoed Jacob’s emphasis on plainness in teaching:
The Holy Ghost will reveal the spirit of truth only as we are cautious and careful not to go beyond teaching true doctrine. One of the surest ways to avoid even getting near false doctrine is to choose to be simple in our teaching. Safety is gained by that simplicity, and little is lost.
“Simple Is the Doctrine of Christ,” General Conference, October 2024
Our attitude matters as we strive to hear the Holy Ghost. As Jacob taught, the Holy Ghost “speaketh the truth.” Therefore, our personal commitment to truth and honesty prepares our hearts to hear His messages. As Elder Neil L. Andersen explained:
The world would tell us that truth and honesty are difficult to define. The world finds humor in casual lying and quickly excuses so-called “innocent” deception. The contrast between right and wrong is dulled, and the consequences of dishonesty are minimized. …
To constantly receive the Spirit of Truth, our lives must be filled with truth and honesty. As we become completely honest, our spiritual eyes are opened to increased enlightenment.
“Honesty—The Heart of Spirituality,” Brigham Young University Devotional Address, 13 September 2011
He further emphasized the point by saying:
You cannot separate the spiritual endowment of truth … from your being a person of honesty and truth. The truth you seek is tied to the person you are. Light, spiritual answers, and heavenly direction are unalterably linked to your own honesty and truth.
“Honesty—The Heart of Spirituality,” Brigham Young University Devotional Address, 13 September 2011
Today, I will seek to hear the Spirit of Truth by being a person of truth. I will remember that my own honesty and commitment to accuracy opens the door for God to instruct and enlighten me.
As we sow so we reap